Higher Ed

Learning a new language is tough. And for immigrant farmworkers, long work days and lack of transportation can pose extra barriers. New York state has an idea to change that. It’s a language lesson that fits in your pocket. Just dial up the state’s new English on the Go line from your cell phone. The free lessons are interactive, with audio and text messages.

College graduation season is nearing and along with finding a job, student debt is also on grad’s minds. One program New York is hoping will help and keep those grads in the state.

Upstate New York is known for its idyllic college campuses, but its towns and cities struggle to keep those young people around once they graduate, as they’re drawn away by jobs and more trendy cities.

On the Ithaca College campus, Kyle James has a pretty sweet office. His view overlooks the quad, where he can see students crossing back and forth between classes. James says lately, there have been some disruptions to life on campus.

Leaders of Western New York SUNY campuses are calling on the New York State Legislature to 'Invest in SUNY'. They're urging state lawmakers to create a new, SUNY 'Investment Fund' that would help pay for faculty pay raises and offer predicable tuition. WBFO'S Eileen Buckley says as more students are faced with poverty, this could key in securing their college education.